Ten Reasons to Visit Copan Ruinas, Honduras

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It is the small touches that Hondurans have to offer which make this Central American tourist and vacation destination an attractive option for those seeking to get away from it all. The charming paintings and handicrafts by Honduran artists which line the corridors of hotels, the famous cigars, and vintage, locally made, wines and spirits available at restaurants, with the manner in which visitors are welcomed as part of the family, all succeed in creating comfortable and enjoyable vacations in Honduras.

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Getting Here

International flights and cruises provide excellent options for those who wish to travel to Honduras from exotic corners of the world. Enjoy our guides below which explain how to travel to Honduras from any country, including Canada, the United States, and even South Korea.

Deep in the tropical jungle of western Honduras, lays the ancient Maya city of Copán, welcoming visitors seeking history, archaeology, adventure or a unique mystical experience. The earliest inhabitants of the region came in 1500 BC and the Maya arrived around the year 100 AD. The city was mysteriously abandoned and not re-discovered until Spanish explorer Diego García Palacio stumbled upon it in 1570, but remained untouched until archaeologists began excavating the site in the nineteenth century.

“Here, just a few hours from home, you can engage in powerful healing ceremonies, rites of passage, and initiations, overlooking spectacular Maya site,” says Shannon Kring, a Los Angeles-based filmmaker who has led mystical retreats to Copán since 2007, attracting participants from around the world. The retreat experience includes everything from visits to an ancient fertility site to bathing in thermal springs or participating in legendary “temazcal” sweat lodge ceremonies.

Jaguar Hot Springs in Copan HondurasThe retreat experience includes everything from visits to an ancient fertility site to bathing in thermal springs

Copan Airport Open for business and tourismRecent construction of an airfield near the Copán archaeological park is making it easier to reach the site.Photo Courtesy: Honduran Presidential Palace

Here are 10 reasons to head there today:

1. Copán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where more than 4,500 ancient structures have been detected and preserved. And there is still more to be uncovered.

Ball Field at the Ruinas de Copan Honduras Mayan Archaeological ParkCopán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where more than 4,500 ancient structures have been detected and preserved. And there is still more to be uncovered.

2. Archaeologists regard Copán as one of the three most important cultural sites in the Americas. Imagine Mexico’s Chichen Itzá or Peru’s Macchu Picchu, but without the crowds and kitschy souvenir shops.

Tourist at the Archaeological park in Copan Ruinas HondurasArchaeologists regard Copán as one of the three most important cultural sites in the Americas. Imagine Mexico’s Chichen Itzá or Peru’s Macchu Picchu, but without the crowds and kitschy souvenir shops.

Copan Vacation

3. The Copán archaeological park’s lush jungle location gives it pristine skies and tropical flora, providing a true breath of fresh air and a backdrop for magnificent selfies.

Structure number 4 at Ruinas de Copan HondurasThe Copán archaeological park’s lush jungle location gives it pristine skies and tropical flora, providing a true breath of fresh air and a backdrop for magnificent selfies.

Copan Honduras

4. Structures in the park include the largest known Maya text in existence, comprised of more than 1,800 glyphs carved into a staircase.

Structures in the park include the largest known Maya text in existence, comprised of more than 1,800 glyphs carved into a staircase.

5. The site includes column-shaped stone carvings depicting animals and humans, including portraits of the city’s ancient rulers.

Jaguar Hot Springs in Copan Honduras

Mayan God of the wind at the Ruins of Copan HondurasThe site includes column-shaped stone carvings depicting animals and humans, including portraits of the city’s ancient rulers.

6. The exotic wildlife allows for birdwatching, including an abundance of scarlet macaws, considered the sacred bird of the Maya and the national bird of Honduras.

Red Macaws at the Copan Ruins Archaeological Park in HondurasThe exotic wildlife allows for birdwatching, including an abundance of scarlet macaws, considered the sacred bird of the Maya and the national bird of Honduras.

The Copan Ruinas identity is sealed by the presence of Red Scarlet macaws roaming freely

7. There are several miles of ancient tunnels running beneath the archaeological park, two of which are open to visitors.

Explore the Copan Ruins in HondurasThere are several miles of ancient tunnels running beneath the archaeological park, two of which are open to visitors.

8. The archaeological park is located just a short drive from Copán Ruinas, a charming colonial town with great inns, restaurants, bars and spas.

Enjoy a Salva Vida in Copan Ruinas.The archaeological park is located just a short drive from Copán Ruinas, a charming colonial town with great inns, restaurants, bars and spas. A weekend in Copan Travel Review

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